Piñol steps into ‘enemy’ MILF territory to bring agri program

March 9, 2017, 8:28 am

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From MindaNews (Mar 9): Piñol steps into ‘enemy’ MILF territory to bring agri program

Piñol and Murad at Camp Darapanan. MindaNews photo by Ferdinandh Cabrera

CAMP DARAPANAN, Maguindanao – They used to be the worst of enemies, trading barbs on air, or maybe if opportunities allowed, even killed each other.

But former North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Piñol, branded as “anti-Muslim” for so long who is now President Duterte’s secretary of agriculture, stepped into the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s camp Wednesday not to continue disagreements with the MILF leadership but came to talk about how to improve farmers’ lives, especially among MILF families long neglected by the government.

It was Piñol who spearheaded the petition before the Supreme Court that nullified the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) crafted by the government and the MILF peace panels in 2008.

At one point, Piñol was branded by the MILF as “anti-Moro” because of his stance.

But on Wednesday, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar, whom Piñol traded barbs with in the past, have shown gestures of reconciliation and sincere commitment to attain a lasting peace.

Clearly, they may have opposing opinion but Piñol and Jaafar used to work together in the ’70s at DXCM-AM Radio in Cotabato City.

Piñol’s visit to push for President Duterte’s agriculture program erased that impression that they were “mortal enemies.”

Murad and Piñol hugged each other twice as if they did not exchange harsh words in the past.

“It’s not easy to move forward without facing our past,” Piñol said in Filipino as he spoke before MILF leaders and former Moro combatants. “The bottom line is we are here to bring government agriculture program to your people,” he added.

Murad said the MILF leadership was surprised to learn that the Department of Agriculture was to hold the graduation rites for the 362 farmer beneficiaries who underwent a training on agriculture inside camp known as the MILF’s main headquarters.

“At first there was reluctance since many perceived Piñol to be anti-Muslim. But now, he is a friend of Muslims,” Murad said.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) have partnered with the DA to help former combatants help themselves by providing them training on agriculture and providing them agriculture machinery.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/03/pinol-steps-into-enemy-milf-territory-to-bring-agri-program/

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Photo: Task Force Haribon simulation exercise

March 9, 2017, 8:31 am

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From the Mindanao Times (Mar 9): Photo: Task Force Haribon simulation exercise

SECURITY forces under Joint Task Force Haribon showcase their capability to intercept terrorists during the simulation exercise held at Sta. Ana wharf on Wednesday, Mar. 8. BING GONZALES

http://mindanaotimes.net/

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Photo: Task Force Davao Ultimate K-9 Challenge

March 9, 2017, 8:34 am

≫ Next: Army presents ma who begs for NPA to return her girl, 14

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From the Mindanao Times (Mar 9): Photo: Task Force Davao Ultimate K-9 Challenge

A HANDLER raises his hand to confirm that his sniffing K9 already located the planted improvised explosive device during the Ultimate K9 Challenge hosted by Task Force Davao at their headquarters on Tuesday. The challenge aimed to test the ability of the police dogs to detect bombs in preparation for the Araw ng Dabaw celebration. BING GONZALES

http://mindanaotimes.net/

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Army presents ma who begs for NPA to return her girl, 14

March 9, 2017, 8:41 am

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From the Mindanao Times (Mar 9): Army presents ma who begs for NPA to return her girl, 14

LEONILA Davis, 52, cries as she begs for the New People’s Army to return her 14-year-old daughter during the AFP-PNP media forum at Task Force Davao. BING GONZALES

A MOTHER is asking the New People’s Army (NPA) to return his 14-year-old daughter who was allegedly forcibly taken by the group to join the movement.

“I’m appealing to the New People’s Army to return my daughter because they know, and I already told them, not to take her away because she’s still studying,”said Leonila Davis, 52, farmer and resident of Mati in Davao Oriental, in visayan.

She appeared in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press conference held at Task Force Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf.

“To all the leaders of the NPA, I’m begging them to give me back my daughter,” she added.

According to her, her daughter was supposed to graduate from grade 6 but was taken by the guerillas somewhere in the hinterlands of Davao Oriental back on Jan. 23. They allegedly told her that her daughter volunteered to join their group.

On that day, she thought that her daughter was in school. Instead, she was found in Davao City joining a protest rally.

“I only learned about it when I arrived in Banay-banay because my other child contacted me,” she narrated.

She returned five days later only to leave with the group on the same day. That’s the last time she talked to her.

“If I try to get back my daughter, she will supposedly commit suicide,” she added.

She asked the rebels what could compel her daughter to kill herself when they have not been remiss in their duties as parents. She also said that they did not physical abuse their daughter.

Davis said a 17-year-old girl who escaped from the rebels had news about what happened to her daughter, which had her worried further.

Apparently, her daughter sustained wounds on her foot at around 3 p.m. last Monday. That prevented her from running away.

The 17-year-old escapee also informed her that her girl wanted to go home and was always crying. The unit where her daughter was assigned is led by an amazon.

Meanwhile, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, confirmed that there was a 17-year-old girl, alias Jenny, who surrendered to the military.

During debriefing, they were informed that there’s another girl in her company. And this turned out to be the daughter of Leonila.

He also said that Jenny’s family became the subject of harassment from the rebel group. They left their home out of fear of their safety.

Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, deputy regional director for administration, said if true, it’s clear kidnapping since it involved a minor. “I will instruct our investigation unit to conduct and file charges against those perpetrators,” Morales said.

http://mindanaotimes.net/army-presents-ma-who-begs-for-npa-to-return-her-girl-14/

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WATCH | China ships in PH-owned Benham Rise, scouting for subs' parking sites - DND

March 9, 2017, 9:04 am

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From InterAksyon (Mar 9): WATCH | China ships in PH-owned Benham Rise, scouting for subs' parking sites - DND

Benham Rise seen relative to Luzon mainland in map from website of Fish Information and Services, or fis.com.

China may be casting a covetous eye on Benham Rise, over which the Philippines has undisputed claim in the United Nations, with a possible agenda: scouting for sites to park its submarines, the Department of National Defense (DND) hinted Thursday. In fact, one Chinese survey ship figured in an accident.

If unchecked, said DND, this foray could become another source of conflict between the Asian neighbors, who had already tangled earlier in the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) where Manila complained against Beijing's "excessive" claims in the South China Sea with its nine-dash line claim.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the revelation on China's forays in the Benham Rise area at a threat assessment forum in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday. According to him, Chinese ships have been spotted in the area located in Northeastern Luzon.

Lorenzana said satellite photos and incident reports provided the basis for his alert.

While the motivations for the reported Chinese survey have yet to be confirmed, Lorenzana said reports reaching him showed the Chinese could be scouting for a spot to place their submarines in.

In fact, he said, a Chinese ship figured in an accident in Benham Rise, prompting the survey team to send one of its men to a hospital in Surigao. “So we know they are there,” Lorenzana said.

Six-term member of the House of Representatives and former national security adviser Roilo Golez had earlier on, in January, warned about China's interest in Benham Rise: "I fear China has its lustful eyes on our East Sea.

"If we allow ourselves to be lulled by China's charm offensive, I am afraid their next creeping move may be toward our East Sea, it's lustful eyes on our 13 million hectare Benham Rise off Aurora province, awarded to us by the United Nations in 2012 as part of the Philippine continental shelf and territory.

"Before this award, our territory was only around 30 million hectares. Now, it is 43 million hectares taking Benham Rise into consideration."

Click and watch the video report here:

http://interaksyon.com/article/137585/watch--china-ships-in-ph-owned-benham-rise-scouting-for-subs-parking-sites---dnd

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Rebels urged to surrender, avail of P300,000 cash aid

March 9, 2017, 6:58 pm

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From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 9): Rebels urged to surrender, avail of P300,000 cash aid

Members of the New People's Army in Negros Oriental are encouraged to lay down their arms and surrender to authorities, and avail of a P300,000 cash assistance offered by Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.

Lt. Col. Roderick Garcia, commander of the 79th “Masaligan” Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, said yesterday that the offer of Marañon is not only limited to NPA members in Negros Occidental.

Both provinces belong to the Negros Island Region, and so, therefore, to attain lasting peace, all NPA members in the island are covered by Marañon's offer, Garcia said.

Marañon had earlier announced his offer to all active members of the NPA in NIR of a maximum of P300,000 per rebel, who will surrender to government with a high-powered firearm.

Those without a firearm will receive cash assistance of up to P100,000.

Garcia said Marañon's offer is on top of the P65,000 aid that the government, through its Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program, is giving per rebel who will surrender to authorities.

The CLIP is being implemented through the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Those who will surrender will undergo a process before being listed as a beneficiary to the program, as well as to the offer of Gov. Marañon, Garcia said.

He said there are about 50 rebels still reported in Negros Oriental, to date. They are mostly sighted in the first district of the province, particularly in Guihulngan City, Canlaon City, Tayasan and Ayungon.

However, many of them are mobile as they cross boundaries to the other side of the island, Garcia said.

He is hoping that the rebels will take the offer of Marañon while there are no peace talks at the local or national level.

Once a peace agreement is reached, the offer will no longer stand, Garcia said, because there will be certain arrangements all packaged as part of the agreement, such as livelihood, housing and others similar to those offered to the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade.

Following the failure of the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the NPA at the national level, officials in Negros Island have announced considering holding local peace talks.

NPA members wishing to surrender may send feelers to authorities, especially the Philippine Army, so they can be processed, Garcia said.

He assured them of their security and safety as they return to the folds of the law and be integrated into mainstream society.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/March/09/negor2.htm

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Reds confirm agreement on backchannel talks but stress no ceasefire in place

March 9, 2017, 7:19 pm

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From InterAksyon (Mar 10): Reds confirm agreement on backchannel talks but stress no ceasefire in place

NDF chief peace negotiator Fidel Agcaoili (file photo by Kodao Productions)

Communist rebels confirmed that there is an agreement with the government to hold backchannel talks despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s termination of formal peace negotiations last month.

At the same time, Fidel Agcaoili, chief peace negotiator of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, which represents the rebels, stressed that there has been no ceasefire between the New People’s Army and government forces after both sides terminated their respective unilateral declarations early last month.

“Both sides agreed to hold secret backchannel talks as early as the first week of February,” Agcaoili said. “For some reason, these have been delayed till now.”

He also pointed out that the backchannel efforts were not supposed to be made public, stressing that “in this regard, we have kept our end of the bargain not to reveal the plans or issue any statement that would upset these.”

Agcaoili said the aim of the secret talks is to get both sides to meet the April schedule for the fourth round of the stalled formal negotiations, when both sides hope to discuss, among other issues, the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees, a pact supposed to protect members, consultants and security personnel of both parties’ negotiating teams, and two substantial agenda -- social and economic reforms and constitutional and political reforms.

It was President Rodrigo Duterte who early this week disclosed the backchannel efforts.

And on Wednesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, speaking at the National Defense College, said president adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza had left for Europe to lead the government panel to the backchannel talks, according to a report by independent media outfit Kodao Productions.

Kodao also quoted Lorenzana as saying the government had allowed NDFP negotiator Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma and Vicene Ladlad, both rebel consultants, to leave the country as well.

On Thursday, following Wednesday’s ambush in Bansalan, Davao del Sur that left four policemen dead, an angry Duterte ordered the military and police to wage war against the communist rebels and to use aerial rocket strikes against them even if these cause “collateral damage” to non-combatants.

Reacting to this, Agcaoili said, “We still have to confirm if this was done by the NPA command in the area,” even as he pointed out that “there are peace spoilers around.”

He also stressed that “there is no ceasefire in place at the moment, and that AFP and PNP troops have been going into villages and violating people's rights in their combat and intelligence operations, including murderous Tokhang operations,” referring to the controversial government war on drugs.

The rebel negotiator also noted that their ranks have also suffered casualties since hostilities resumed last month, pointing to the four guerrillas slain in San Andres, Quezon province during a military raid on Tuesday, “as well as in other places.”

Agcaoili also said that leadership of the revolutionary movement had already approved on February 27 the release of government personnel captured and held as “prisoners of war” by the rebels and that “discussions have been going on since between third party peace facilitators and the (government) panel.”

In fact, he said, “the POWs should have been released as early as 2 March but arrangements on their safe and orderly release, as well as those of the third party peace facilitators, local government officials, ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) representatives and the custodial forces, have still to be worked out.”

http://interaksyon.com/article/137600/reds-confirm-agreement-on-backchannel-talks-but-stress-no-ceasefire-in-place

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Soldier killed, another wounded in Alegria firefight vs NPA

March 9, 2017, 7:32 pm

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From InterAksyon (Mar 9): Soldier killed, another wounded in Alegria firefight vs NPA

A soldier was killed while another was wounded after firefights erupted between elements from the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion and suspected elements of the communist New People's Army (NPA) in the town of Alegria in Surigao del Norte, Wednesday evening, March 8, 2017.

A report from the 30th Infantry Brigade indicated that at around 8:00 in the evening, soldiers from Alpha Company were on their way to Barangay Budlingin to respond to intelligence report about NPA fighters harassing the indigenous people's (IP) community.

"Our troops encountered the NPA while on their way to the village to secure the area, after receiving reports of the NPA harassing the community. A 30-minute firefight erupted with the government forces pitted against about 15 rebels. There a soldier died, while another suffered gunshot wounds,"said 2Lt Jonel Castillo, civil military officer of the 30th IB.

The soldier who was killed in action was 27 years old, and the wounded one was identified as Pfc Windyl Daayata, 26 years of age. They are both from the province of Bukidnon.

According to Castillo, NPA activity in the area is not new.

"This group is headed by Commander Ricky, and they have been going back to the area to conduct recruitment operations taking advantage of vulnerabilities of the IP community," said Castillo.

The NPA has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.

http://interaksyon.com/article/137597/soldier-killed-another-wounded-in-alegria-firefight-vs-npa

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'USE ROCKETS' | Duterte decries Davao cops' slay, tells AFP, PNP to wage war vs NPA

March 9, 2017, 7:38 pm

≫ Next: Duterte order to disregard collateral damage ‘encourages war crimes’ - rights groups

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From InterAksyon (Mar 9): 'USE ROCKETS' | Duterte decries Davao cops' slay, tells AFP, PNP to wage war vs NPA
Calling the New People's Army's alleged killing of four policemen in Davao "ideological cannibalism," President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday denounced the ambush and declared war against the communist rebels.

"Ideological cannibalism is what they are committing right now," Duterte said in the local language during an impromptu press conference, adding that the NPA was "devouring their own kind only in the name of revolution."

"You cannot do that malice," said the chief executive, referring to the incident on Wednesday wherein the policemen, who were investigators from the Bansalan Municipal Police Station, were ambushed in Brgy. Sibayan.

Duterte said he would ask the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to wage war against the communist rebels and use all available assets against the NPA.

He said they could even use rockets and if there would be collateral damage then so be it.

"I am encouraging you to call in the air assets, bomb them," the President told authorities.

Asked if he would be for peace talks or all out war, Duterte said, "Let them choose. I am ready for war, 50 years if maybe."

Duterte further told the communist rebels that they would never have a chance to be in power because the people don't want them in power.

"What you give, you will also receive," the President told the rebels.

http://interaksyon.com/article/137591/use-rockets--duterte-decries-davao-cops-slay-tells-afp-pnp-to-wage-war-vs-npa

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Duterte order to disregard collateral damage ‘encourages war crimes’ - rights groups

March 9, 2017, 7:50 pm

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From InterAksyon (Mar 10): Duterte order to disregard collateral damage ‘encourages war crimes’ - rights groups

A Philippine Air Force OV-10 Bronco

By ordering state forces to disregard collateral damage during counterinsurgency operations, President Rodrigo Duterte is encouraging human rights violations and war crimes, human rights organizations said Friday.

Visiting the wake of policemen slain in a suspected New People’s Army ambush in Davao del Sur, Duterte ordered government forces to “go ahead, flatten the hills,” saying “anything goes for now. If there’s collateral damage, pasensiya (too bad).”

“Duterte’s counterinsurgency rhetoric is frighteningly reminiscent of his praise and encouragement for police killings of suspected drug users and drug dealers, which has instigated unlawful force and incited violence,” said Human Rights Watch, which has taken Duterte to task over the years, mainly for extrajudicial killings from when he was mayor of Davao City to the thousands of deaths in his ongoing war on drugs.

Karapatan, on the other hand, likened Duterte’s order to giving state forces a “license to kill and arrest civilians, including leaders and members of people’s organizations.”

HRW stressed that international humanitarian law “rejects the ‘anything goes’ approach to warfare and places specific restraints on all parties to an armed conflict to spare civilians and other non-combatants the horrors of war.”

“Armies must take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians,” it said. “Attacks against lawful targets cannot be indiscriminate or cause civilian loss greater than the expected military gain.”

Troops who obey Duterte’s order “without regard to civilian loss of life and property … would be committing war crimes,” it warned.

Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said they have documented 39 political killings since Duterte became president, 20 of these from January to March 2.

Among the latest killings were those of “farmers and anti-mining activists Ramon and Leonila Pesadilla in Compostela Valley by suspected members of the 66th Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army on March 2; of farmers Ian and Rolendo Borres in Maayon, Capiz on February 24 by the 61st IBPA led by 1Lt. Joe Mark Bitbit; and that of coconut farmer and peasant leader Gilbert Bancat in San Andres, Quezon by elements of the Southern Luzon Command,” she said.

She also cited forced displacements in Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and Sarangani provinces between July last year and February that were reportedly preceded by bombardments or the arrests of community members.

“Your armed forces have been bombing communities even at the onset of your administration. You cannot use the alleged incident in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, to justify these violations any further and act as if these state agents are all so innocent,” Palabay told Duterte.

Palabay also said they have documented the illegal arrest and detention of 43 persons between July and February, including four organizers of the peasant group Kalipunan ng Samahang Magsasaka sa Timog Katagalugan who were wounded during a clash between soldiers and communist rebels in San Andres town, Quezon on March 7 and taken to the Southern Luzon Command headquarters where they have allegedly been denied visits by their relatives, human rights advocates and church workers.

She identified the four as Christopher Redota, 26, Jennifer Yuzon, 22, Teteng Yuzon and Dana Marie Marcellana, the latter the daughter of the late Karapatan Southern Tagalog secretary general Eden Marcellana who was murdered with peasant leader Eddie Gumanoy in Mindoro in 2003 by what rights advocates believe were troops under the command of then Army general Jovito Palparan.

http://interaksyon.com/article/137602/duterte-order-to-disregard-collateral-damage-encourages-war-crimes---rights-groups

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PH, Indonesia, Malaysia to patrol piracy-prone waters

March 9, 2017, 8:43 pm

≫ Next: PA on standby; may declare red alert on March 29

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From Rappler (Mar 9): PH, Indonesia, Malaysia to patrol piracy-prone waters

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says he and his counterparts from Malaysia and Indonesia agree to patrols across a sea lane where commercial vessels could pass with protection from the 3 nations' navies

ANTI-PIRACY PATROLS. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gestures during a press conference at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Manila on March 9, 2017. Photo by Noel Celis/ AFP

The Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia will launch joint patrols in piracy-plagued waters, Manila's defense secretary said Thursday, March 9, after a wave of attacks that saw Islamic militants kidnapping and murdering foreigners.

The Abu Sayyaf, a kidnap-for-ransom network that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) group, has been kidnapping sailors on fishing vessels and cargo barges, including an elderly German whom it beheaded last month after ransom demands were not met.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he and his counterparts from Malaysia and Indonesia had agreed to patrol a sea lane where commercial vessels could pass with protection from the three nations' navies.

"We are inaugurating some time in April or May a joint patrol of the three nations in that area," Lorenzana said in a news conference.

"(Vessels) cannot stray beyond that lane so that we can help protect them."

The waters between the three nations have become increasingly dangerous in recent years, with maritime officials warning of a "Somalia-type" situation if the attacks are not addressed.

In February, the Abu Sayyaf murdered Jurgen Kantner, 70, five months after his yacht was found drifting off the southern Philippines with the body of his female companion, Sabine Merz, who had been shot.

The Abu Sayyaf are holding 31 foreign and local hostages including 6 Vietnamese seamen attacked on their cargo ship off the southern Philippines last month, according to Lorenzana.

Lorenzana said he told the Vietnamese envoy to Manila last week to arm his nation's crewmen passing through the waters or coordinate with Philippine authorities to avoid being kidnapped.

He added President Rodrigo Duterte was "very interested" in ending the kidnapping problem.

Duterte had asked China to help patrol the waters, citing Beijing's dispatch of a naval convoy to the Gulf of Aden in 2009 to protect Chinese ships from Somali pirates.

Lorenzana said equipment to help fight the Abu Sayyaf like fast boats, drones and radars would be acquired as part of a military modernisation programme.

The Abu Sayyaf, established with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda network, have been kidnapping foreigners and locals for decades and holding them for ransom on its remote island strongholds in the southern Philippines.

Lorenzana, who identified the Abu Sayyaf and other extremist groups as the Philippines' top security threat, said the kidnappings were "embarrassing to the whole world."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/163774-southeast-asian-nations-patrol-piracy-prone-waters

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PA on standby; may declare red alert on March 29

March 9, 2017, 8:57 pm

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From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): PA on standby; may declare red alert on March 29

The 702nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army remains on blue alert with its soldiers on standby in their camps but may shift to red alert on March 29 when the terrorist New People's Army (NPA) will observe its founding anniversary and may commit atrocities.

This was bared by Capt. Jay- Ar Ramos, public information officer of the 702nd IB based at Camp Tito Abat in Manaoag in a talk during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters (KBP) Forum in Dagupan City on Thursday, March 9.

At the same time, Ramos belied the alleged report that the NPAs were seen in some parts of eastern Pangasinan especially after the rebels torched two trucks of Philex Mines in Sitio Tupac, Ampucao,Itogon, Benguet on February 9, this year, while bringing ore from the mine site to Poro Point in San Fernando City, La Union.

"We checked the report and it turned out negative," said Ramos, adding that the people in the area mentioned could not also validate the report.

There was also no movement of rebels in the western part of Pangasinan near the Zambales border, Ramos reported.

The other recorded atrocity of the NPA in the area of operations of 702nd IB was the burning of two elf trucks of Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco in Sigay, Ilocos Sur in January this year.

"Our part is focused on anti- insurgency. If we received information from our men in the field or the barangays, we passed this on to the PNP for validation, Ramos explained

He said the Philippine Army continues to conduct its anti-insurgency operations to deter rebel atrocities amid the order of President Rodrigo Duterte lifting the ceasefire that was put in place between the government and the NPA in connection with the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Oslo, Norway that was later on aborted.

He said the Philippine Army is open if there are rebels who will surrender but their anti-insurgency operations will continue until there is an order from higher headquarters to stop.

He also assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines will support the resumption of peace talks with the Reds.

He maintained that the NPAs are avoiding clash with the Philippine military in a bid to save their force, short of belittling the NPA's capability to wage a frontal shooting war with the government.

In their atrocities, they are actually conducting sabotaging operations to embarrass the government, Ramos said in Filipino, referring to the NPAs.

Asked if there are already extortion activities perpetrated by the NPA in Pangasinan, Ramos said they have not received any report of any private company paying alleged revolutionary taxes to the rebels in their areas of operation so far.

However, he asked these private companies to feel free to contact the Philippine Army should there be any attempt by the rebels to extort money from them.

He said the 702nd IB is continuously coordinating with the PNP and conducting joint checkpoints in strategic areas as well as monitoring and providing security to flagship projects, which include the wind farm in Ilocos Norte, the Sual Coal-fired Power Plant and the San Roque Multi-purpose Dam, both in Pangasinan.

When asked by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), soldiers of 702nd IB provide area security when they conduct anti-illegal drugs operations, Ramos said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=970568

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Alleged Maute financiers slain in raid on Lanao del Sur mayor’s home

March 9, 2017, 9:07 pm

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From InterAksyon (Mar 9): Alleged Maute financiers slain in raid on Lanao del Sur mayor’s home

Police officers go over the weapons and other items seized in a raid on the home of a mayor in Lanao del Sur during which two alleged financiers of the Maute group were killed. (ARMM police photo)

Authorities raided the home of a town mayor in Lanao del Norte on Tuesday and, while they missed their target, killed two men they claimed were financiers of the Maute terror group and seized a cache of weapons and ammunition.

Senior Inspector Marcille Manzano, spokesperson of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police, said the raiding team served eight search warrants issued by Region 12 Presiding Judge Alandrex Betoy for violations of the anti-drugs and firearms laws at the home of Mayor Gamboa Molok Abinal of Maguing town.

Although they did not get the mayor, Manzano said the team killed Cairodin and Farhana Pangao Anto, the alleged Maute financiers, and wounded Baulo Anto, who, however, managed to escape.

Arrested in the operation were Noraldine Macausog, Pundato Potawan and Al Rashid Dagdagan, who are suspected of being members of the terror group that authorities say has pledged loyalty to the Islamic State. The three are detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s regional office at PC Hill, Cotabato City.

Aside from the guns and ammunition seized, the raiders also recovered eight sachets of suspected shabu and a bankbook to an account holding more than P29 million.
http://interaksyon.com/article/137574/alleged-maute-financiers-slain-in-raid-on-lanao-del-sur-mayors-home

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Philippines Struggles to Reach New Power-Sharing Deal in Restive Muslim Region

March 9, 2017, 9:19 pm

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From Voice of America (Mar 6): Philippines Struggles to Reach New Power-Sharing Deal in Restive Muslim Region

FILE - Government soldiers take cover during a firefight with Muslim rebels from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga city in southern Philippines September 12, 2013.

The killing of a German tourist in the Philippines is adding urgency to talks between the government of crime-fighting President Rodrigo Duterte and armed Muslim rebel groups with different agendas.

Duterte is trying to talk to the Muslim autonomy-seeking group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as well as a separate organization, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), to figure out how they might manage land near the Sulu Sea where Muslims have lived for centuries.

He proposes a federalist government system that could give Muslims a higher degree of power over lands in the archipelago’s southwest.
Beheadings

The killing of 70-year-old German tourist Jurgen Kantner last month at the hands of Abu Sayyaf, a small Muslim group that many Filipinos compare to bandits, raises the urgency for Duterte to draw up a peace and power-sharing plan.

“MILF is no problem. They’ve already committed to the roadmap as agreed upon,” said Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Philippine advocacy group Institute for Political and Electoral Reform. “The problem of course are these other groups, particularly those such as Abu Sayyaf, that are already classified as violent, extremist groups."

Abu Sayyaf also beheaded two Canadian tourists last year and it regularly kidnaps tourists for ransom. Duterte apologized to Germany for his government’s failure to rescue Kantner, and his peace process adviser called for a “stop to this killing of the innocent and the helpless.”

“The pressure is on the government, having failed to protect the German tourist, so that would add I think pressure on the Duterte government entering the peace talks,” said Antonio Montalvan, a newspaper columnist in Cagayan de Oro, a port city near the Muslim region. “It would seem to erode, for example, his credibility in dealing with these terrorist groups.”

Duterte has doubled up efforts to reach peace and power-sharing deals, but his effort faces skepticism from the public, possible dissent in the Philippine congress and complexities within the Muslim rebel groups themselves.

Armed rebels on the southern island Mindanao and the Sulu Sea to its west have stirred up trouble since the 1960s, leaving an estimated 120,000 people dead. The Muslim rebel groups grew out of resentment toward the Catholic Philippine majority and its control over land.

Seventeen years of talks led to a peace deal in 2014 between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. But Philippine congress members declined to approve an autonomy-sharing deal called the Bangsamoro Basic Law, named after the region of Mindanao that the MILF would help run.

Enthusiasm in congress dropped particularly after a gun battle two years ago with the MILF left 44 special forces troops dead.

The peace process also left out the Muslim National Islamic Front, whose leader Nur Misuari is suspected of staging an attack on the Mindanao hub city Zamboanga, killing 140, in 2013. Both fronts support armed units that, like Abu Sayyaf, have used violence against civilians.
Duterte campaigned on peace deal

Hopes for a new peace effort surged when Duterte took office in June. The Mindanao native had made peace with a communist rebel group in Davao City while mayor there for 22 years. As president he vowed to pursue peace with the Muslim rebels.

Duterte called for starting talks early this year with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on drafting a new Bangsamoro Basic Law. The two sides have assigned details of the new law to a 21-member commission.

Duterte is expected to fuse any new agreement with his pursuit of federalism, which would give more rights to local governments throughout the developing Southeast Asian country of 102 million people and more than 7,100 islands.

It’s still unclear how federalism would work in a Muslim region, said Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, University of the Philippines political science professor and a peace negotiator under the past president.

“Will it be a symmetrical type of federal arrangement, meaning all states will be the same, or will it take into account the peculiarities of very special places like Bangsamoro?” Colonel-Ferrer asked. “It’s not the case of having an autonomous region in one part of the country. It’s about how to structure the political system and how to share power at the national level.”

The president, known as a tough crime fighter, also met with Misuari, announced peace talks and sought the Moro National Liberation Front’s help in rescuing Abu Sayyaf captives, Misuari’s group says on its website. The group offered that help, the website says.

Duterte signaled in November he might seek talks with Abu Sayyaf as well despite earlier pledges to wipe out the loose-knit 400-strong group militarily. Battles with Abu Sayyaf early in his term killed dozens.

Duterte’s new efforts are still likely to meet headwinds in the Philippine congress, as citizens in much of the country dispute giving land rights to the Muslim groups, analysts say.

Some of those opponents are in Mindanao, a largely impoverished island of 21 million people who resent the Muslim groups' violent rebellions. They may fear that an autonomy deal would threaten the rights of Christians in Mindanao, Montalvan said.

Mindanao’s multiple Muslim rebel groups and the volatility of those in talks with the government could also shatter any new deals, analysts warn. The Moro National Islamic Front says past Philippine presidents have hurt the process through “deceptive” negotiations. Duterte asked the group in January to avoid harboring terrorists.

“The MNLF leadership has expressed high expectations on the Duterte government to prove its worth as a consistent partner,” the official MNLF website says.

http://www.voanews.com/a/philippines-struggles-power-sharing-deal-mulsim-rebels/3754935.html

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DFA sent letter to Chinese embassy on the presence of Chinese ships at Benham Rise

March 10, 2017, 7:30 am

≫ Next: AFP: Use of assets reflects Pres. Duterte's desire to end NPA threat

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From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): DFA sent letter to Chinese embassy on the presence of Chinese ships at Benham Rise

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday send a letter to the Chinese embassy to clarify the reported incursion f Chinese ships at Benham Rise, which has been declared part of the country’s exclusive economic zone.

DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said that the agency sent a note to the embassy of China to seek clarification on this reported incursion into the country’s territorial waters.

“The Philippines has expressed concern about the reported presence of Chinese ship in Benham Rise, which has been recognized by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf as Philippine waters,” Jose said in a text message to reporters covering DFA.

The presence of Chinese ships in the area which has been recognized by the United Nations as part of the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines is a big surprise. Benham Rise is located at the eastern part of the Philippines near Aurora province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=970785

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AFP: Use of assets reflects Pres. Duterte's desire to end NPA threat

March 10, 2017, 7:33 am

≫ Next: Lorenzana wants more modern radars to beef up PHL maritime domain situational awareness

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From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): AFP: Use of assets reflects Pres. Duterte's desire to end NPA threat

President Rodrigo Duterte's order to the military to use all of its available assets in the all-out war against the New People's Army (NPA) highlights the Chief Executive's desire to end the threat posed by the insurgents once and for all.

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo, Friday when sought for a comment regarding President Duterte's latest directive to the military to use all of its available firepower, including its latest FA-50PH jet fighters and rockets, in neutralizing the rebel forces.

"That is still in pursuit of the earlier directive of the President to conduct an all-out war against the NPA. Earlier, we already said that when we say all-out war, it means making use of all available resources of the government in order for us to defeat the NPA," he said.

Arevalo noted that the President's order to use this weaponry against the NPA only mirrors his desire to end the menace brought by the rebel movement.

"It only mirrors his resolve and his determination to conclude this lingering problem but this clearance given to the AFP, it does not necessarily mean that we're going to employ these assets of government unsparingly. We're going to use this with extreme caution. We're going to make use of this only when it is extremely needed or necessary," the AFP official added.

Aircraft usage will be prompted by accurate intelligence and operations will be surgical in nature so that there will be no unnecessary collateral damage, Arevalo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=970691

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Lorenzana wants more modern radars to beef up PHL maritime domain situational awareness

March 10, 2017, 7:36 am

≫ Next: PNP now on full alert vs. NPA attacks

≪ Previous: AFP: Use of assets reflects Pres. Duterte's desire to end NPA threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): Lorenzana wants more modern radars to beef up PHL maritime domain situational awareness

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is keen to get more modern radar systems to improve the country's maritime domain situational awareness capability.

Such capability is needed in the Sulu and Celebes Sea, which is being threatened by piracy and kidnapping attacks from Abu Sayyaf and other lawless elements, and the eastern seaboard of the Philippines where incidents of poaching and intrusions are rife.

Lorenzana said he planned to include the acquisition of modern radars in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program's Second Horizon.

Maritime domain situational awareness refers to the capability to detect, monitor and if necessary, drive away intruding water craft from one's territorial waters.

The AFP Modernization Program is divided into three horizons, with the first lasting from 2013 to 2017, the second from 2018 to 2022 and third 2023 to 2028.

The Second Horizon calls for the acquisition of equipment more attuned to external defense missions and has a programmed funding of around Php 100 billion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=970623

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PNP now on full alert vs. NPA attacks

March 10, 2017, 7:41 am

≫ Next: AFP mulls joint patrols with Indonesia, Malaysia to curb kidnap attempts at sea

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From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): PNP now on full alert vs. NPA attacks

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now placed on full alert status following the attacks allegedly perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao del Sur on Thursday.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared an “all-out war” against the New People’s Army (NPA) after four policemen, who are non-combatants and technical personnel, were killed in an ambush purportedly committed by members of the NPA in Bansalan, Davao del Sur on Thursday morning.

President Duterte also ordered the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to use all their available assets to neutralize the NPA insurgents.

”Well, we have our mobile units in all provinces. Nakikita naman natin na etong marahas na pag-atake ng NPA sa ating security forces ang gagawin namin ngayon is take an active defense at the stations and have our mobile units continue to have active support to the AFP in going after terrorists and insurgent groups,”PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief and spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said in an interview in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday.

Carlos said the PNP has ordered the mobile units to conduct combat patrols in order to prevent the attacks so policemen in the towns and cities will be out of harm’s way.

He added that the PNP is now on active defense against any attacks.

”We will prevent any attacks on our police stations but again hindi naman pwede na kami ho ay titigil sa police station kailangan namin lumabas at tumugon doon sa serbisyo sa taong bayan so we will review the camp defense plan,” Carlos said.

”We will look at the information and intelligence info kung merong plano na maging target ay police station and then yung active patrolling ng ating mobile units para there will be at least a second or third layer of defense sa ating mga munisipyo at mga police station so normally yun naman po,” he added.

The PNP has units in the public safety companies and the RPSB (Regional Police Security Battalion), who were ordered to coordinate with the AFP available in the area in going after insurgent groups.

Carlos noted that the SAF (Special Action Force) troops were deployed in their different areas to help the territorial forces to run after the NPA.

If there is a specific mission, Carlos said, the SAF can also be deployed.

He stressed that the PNP has always been on full alert level since the bombing incident in a night market in Davao City last September 2 that claimed the lives of 15 civilians and injured 72 others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=970690

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AFP mulls joint patrols with Indonesia, Malaysia to curb kidnap attempts at sea

March 10, 2017, 7:50 am

≫ Next: USAID cites impact of four-year Be Secure project in Iloilo

≪ Previous: PNP now on full alert vs. NPA attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): AFP mulls joint patrols with Indonesia, Malaysia to curb kidnap attempts at sea

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año is looking at possible joint patrol with Indonesia and Malaysia to prevent kidnapping attacks at sea by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other lawless elements.

The patrols, if approved by the heads of states of the three nations, would be deployed in "common sea of interest," the military official said late Thursday.

"There are existing protocols regarding information sharing and coordination on maritime patrols within respective territorial limit. But we want to increase it like having a joint task force to patrol 'common sea of interest' but that this is still a proposal," Año said.

He said consultations are now ongoing with his Indonesian and Malaysian counterparts.

Earlier, ASG bandits conducted a series of attacks against Malaysian and Indonesian tugs and coal carriers, abducting dozens of crew members in the process.

This prompted the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia to agree to explore the idea of joint air patrols in transit corridors considered by the three nations as maritime areas of common concern.

The bandits still hold 31 hostages, most of whom are Indonesian and Malaysian seafarers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=970580

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USAID cites impact of four-year Be Secure project in Iloilo

March 10, 2017, 7:58 am

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From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): USAID cites impact of four-year Be Secure project in Iloilo

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) underscored the impact of its four-year Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) project in Iloilo in Friday’s “close out” activity held in a hotel here attended by representatives from local government units, water districts, academe and other stakeholders.

USAID Philippine director Jeremy Gustafon said that they made significant contributions that are essential inputs to the economic growth, human health, and food security in Iloilo.

He pointed out that they have mobilized and applied USD4.8 million to improve water and sanitation in the city and province of Iloilo.

More than 68,000 people in Iloilo who previously did not have access to water now enjoy potable drinking water. The water demand management program has resulted in the development of rainwater harvesting facilities in communities and the passage of a water efficiency and conservation bill to sustainably manage its fresh water resources.

Also, USAID here has trained 1,088 people for improved water and sanitation practices and 400 people on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Meanwhile, Gustafon mentioned that they were also able to work with a group of professionals who built solid foundation for addressing environmental challenges and spearheaded initiatives to clean up the Iloilo River and manage watersheds.

“The US government is looking forward to continue its partnership with the Philippines as we look forward to achieve the goal of universal access to water and to keep our shared goals of inclusive growth,” he said.

USAID, during the close out activity, also recognized its partners who made significant contributions to the success of the Be Secure’s works in Iloilo.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog expressed appreciation to the USAID Be Secure project, which helped in minimizing the city’s vulnerability to water and sanitation hazards.

“I look forward to sustain these project initiatives so that we could move forward and see tremendous results and can address with confidence our challenge and problem on our water security and to fulfill our goal to see economic growth,” he said.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. also expressed thanks to USAID as it helped in addressing not only the water problem but other environmental problems in the province.

The USAID Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project is a four-year activity that seeks to promote good governance and build capacity for long-term water security, improve access to water and wastewater treatment services, and build more resilient communities.

It focuses on delivering increased sustainable access to water supply and wastewater treatment services and increased resilience to climate-related water stress and hydrologic extremes.

The project started in July 2013 and operates in Basilan, Iloilo, Leyte, Maguindanao, Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga Provinces.

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